Academic Catalog - Virginia Military Institute Admissions

Virginia Military Institute
12-13 Catalogue
Scholar’s Program in Biology at the Virginia Military Institute
was established in 1991 and in is named after one of VMI’s most
visionary Biology Department Chairmen, Dr. Fred C. Swope. This
two-month program is designed to acquaint selected Biology
undergraduate students with the philosophy, practices, and
techniques of research. During the months of June through
July the program engages the students in a research project
with a faculty mentor. At the end of the summer students in the
program organize a symposium that is presented to reflect the
many facets of their undergraduate research training. Students
in the program spend their mornings learning about the many
skills and philosophies of the practice of science. Students
also carry out research projects in the afternoons with a faculty
mentor and acquire the ability to make scientific observations,
collect and analyze data, and to synthesize this information in a
meaningful context. Students are encouraged to continue their
research interests into the following academic year and beyond
in anticipation of completion of a Department or Institute Honors
Thesis. Upon the completion of these undergraduate research
experiences the student has acquired a meaningful and in depth
knowledge of the research process and has a realistic idea of
what is involved in pursuing post-graduate studies. The program
is funded through a private endowment that provides funds for
5-6 student summer stipends plus room, board, six hours of
academic credit, and spending money.
Honors in biology
A cadet can earn departmental honors by completing a
research project by their 1st class year and presenting the research
to the department. Eligibility to apply for departmental honors
requires 1st class standing, a minimum cumulative and biology
GPA of 3.000. An application in the form of a research proposal is
submitted to the department at the end of the 2nd class year or
at the beginning of the 1st class year. If the department approves
the proposal, then the cadet will enroll in BI 490 (independent
research in the fall) and then BI 491 (independent research in
the spring). By the middle of April, a formal research paper will
be submitted to the department at least two weeks prior to the
oral presentation (defense). The awarding of Honors in Biology
will be made following successful completion of the research
project and oral defense.
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